Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/107551
Reed Postpones Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show NSSF Considers Options Regarding Management of SHOT Show BY DANICA TORMOHLEN, contributing editor Harrisburg, PA – Amid a frestorm of controversy surrounding a decision to limit the sale and display of modern sporting rifes (MSRs), Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show (ESS), which had been scheduled for February 2-10 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Meanwhile, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), owner and sponsor of the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, which is managed by Reed, issued a statement saying it is "considering all options regarding the management of future SHOT Shows." Reed Exhibitions posted this statement on the ESS web site: "Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event's historical focus on the hunting and fshing traditions enjoyed by American families," said Chet Burchett, president for the Americas, Reed Exhibitions. "In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fshing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. Tis was intended simply as a product decision of the type event organizers need to make every day. "It has become very clear to us afer speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year's show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment. It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly afected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fshing. "ESS has long been proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of hunting and fshing traditions, and we hope that as the national debate clarifes, we will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates." Te NSSF also posted a statement: "We have just learned that Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. "In the days following Reed Exhibitions' announcement that modern sporting rifes would be prohibited from the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, the leadership of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been in intense, frank discussions with Reed Exhibitions management in an efort to reverse this unacceptable decision. Tese discussions reached an impasse. "NSSF is in no way afliated with, nor does it participate in or exhibit at this show in any way. Reed Exhibitions does, however, manage the NSSF-owned SHOT Show (though Reed manages the SHOT Show, all SHOT Show decisions, policies and actions are made at NSSF's direction). "Because of Reed's recent actions, NSSF is considering all options regarding the management of future SHOT Shows." Chris Dolnack will be the featured Power Lunch cover story in TSE's March issue as TSE columnist Bob Dallmeyer undoubtedly delves more into this controversial subject as well as his successful show strategies. Reach Chet Burchett at (203) 840-5942 or cburchett@reedexpo.com; Chris Dolnack at (203) 426-1320 or cdolnack@nssf.org; Ed Several, general manager, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, (203) 840-5932 or eseveral@reedexpo.com Intl. CES Selects Freeman as Its New General Service Contractor Arlington, VA – Afer more than 20 years of partnering with Global Experience Specialists (GES), the International CES, the largest annual trade show in the U.S., has selected Freeman as its general services contractor beginning in 2014. CES and Freeman will be fnalizing their agreement in the next 30 days. "GES and Freeman both submitted impressive and innovative proposals that ofered more value, enhanced services and improved customer service for our show and our customers," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president for events and business strategy with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer Continued on page 12 www.TradeShowExecutive.com | February 2013 11